The deployment of AR glasses for its technicians by a car manufacturer in Turkey produces a series of advantages.

Augmented reality (AR) technology is far from new. But so far it has suffered from a gimmicky perception similar to that of 3D glasses and, with the exception of a few small or one-off retail projects, is not used in substantial numbers in professional environments. AV. New technologies sometimes need to be pushed in the right direction to be adopted, and a project in Turkey might just be a catalyst for other companies to seriously consider the technology. Anadolu Isuzu, a joint venture with Anadolu Group, Isuzu Motors and Itochu, is an Istanbul-based supplier of pickup trucks, buses and minivans. It deployed VSight’s remote collaboration software on RealWear’s assisted reality devices for its technicians to increase productivity.

The RealWear HMT-1 rugged helmet allows Anadolu Isuzu technicians to solve mechanical problems much faster by putting them in contact with experts in the center. The HMT-1 headset was designed to be hands-free so users can climb ladders or hold other machinery at the same time. It can clip onto a helmet and runs the Android operating system. It has an 854 x 480 pixel scrolling screen, which is similar in size to what you’d see on a 7-inch tablet.

In the technology center of Anadolu Isuzu Academy, there are two facilities – a technical support room and a proactive online studio. Anadolu Isuzu’s technical support team uses the HMT-1 to provide fast and accurate service to customer vehicles within its distribution and service network. Another benefit of the technology is that it can be used in hands-on online training, allowing the wearer of the device to demonstrate parts details, assembly, disassembly and adjustment procedures to participants in the studio. in line. Additionally, Anadolu Isuzu uses the system in remote supplier quality control processes. The devices have already generated a number of benefits for the company, including speeding up repairs, such as adjusting doors or programming the engine control unit (ECU), significantly reducing travel, reducing the company’s overall carbon footprint and improving logistics efficiency for thousands of people. clients.

As a key part of Anadolu Isuzu’s after-sales service, the company uses vehicle technicians to service and maintain its fleet of commercial vehicles, many of which are part of the global supply chain. Prior to deploying the devices, to perform a truck or bus repair on a broken down vehicle, Anadolu Isuzu would often send one or more technicians with expertise in various disciplines to the scene of the breakdown. If the technicians were then unable to solve the problem successfully, additional technicians would have to come on site to solve the problem. Since many Anadolu Isuzu customers are commercial vehicles delivering packages on a tight schedule, any delay leads to dissatisfied customers and loss of revenue. Given the financial and logistical implications of a stuck vehicle, Anadolu Isuzu has placed a high priority on finding a better way to fix a vehicle the first time.

“Our pre-deployment travel needs were extending our operations and our reimbursement times. It was a negative situation in terms of competition and customer satisfaction,” said Hakan Ozenc, After-Sales Service Manager, Anadolu Isuzu. “Due to the travel restrictions that have been imposed in Europe in response to the pandemic, technology has quickly become vital to us and we have revisited our old way of working. The VSight software running the HMT-1 has been very effective in our aftermarket operations and most importantly the technicians can use both hands with the system which is vital from an operability perspective and of security.

Anadolu Isuzu began its HMT-1 rollout in early 2020, spurred by the pandemic and subsequent restrictions that were put in place. The numbers since then show just how important technology has become to the business. Assisted reality devices are now in use in 25 of Anadolu Isuzu’s domestic departments and nine overseas distributors in nine European countries. Since deployment, Anadolu Isuzu has responded to 366 malfunctions in 78 different locations over the course of a year. As there has been a significant reduction in travel, there has been a huge gain both financially and environmentally. At the same time, there is no need for warranty parts to be shipped to its warehouse. By having the ability to examine parts on site via the HMT-1 headset, Anadolu Isuzu has accelerated its decision-making process and reduced its shipping costs, which means it has gained in safety, efficiency, productivity and reduces costs and time.

“There are many advantages with this hardware and software, and we are able to resolve mechanical issues very quickly,” Ozenc added. “In addition, operational costs are much lower and we receive great customer satisfaction. This technology has also prevented repair-related accidents, with none recorded in the last year since implementation. Going forward, the use of the technology is to be expanded by Anadolu Isuzu, which is looking to ensure that assisted reality devices are widespread across all of its 92 service centers in Turkey and among its 35 distributors. strangers.